بُلّھے شاہBULLEH SHAHTHE LIVING VERSE
FROM THE WORDS OF BULLEH SHAH

Sabh iko rañg kapāhīñ dā

All share the cotton’s colour

Two ways into the same verse. Tap a line to find its echo.

Warp and weft, bobbin and shuttle, all the loom's workings—

तानी ताना पेटा नलियां, पीठ नड़ा ते छब्बां छल्लियां,

Each claims a separate name and goes its way.

आपो आपने नाम जितावन, वक्खो वक्खी जाही दा ।

All are cotton, of one colour.

सभ इको रंग कपाहीं दा ।

Coarse cloth and fine, dhotar and muslin: one thread.

चौंजी पैंजी खद्दर धूतर, मलमल ख़ासा इक्का सूतर,

From the cotton roll comes the holy man's saffron.

पूनी विचों बाहर आवे, भगवा भेस गोसाईं दा ।

All are cotton, of one colour.

सभ इको रंग कपाहीं दा ।

Girls wear rings and bands, each with its lovely name.

कुड़ियां हत्थीं छापां छल्ले, आपो आपे नाम सवल्ले,

Bangle or bracelet, name them silver.

सभ्भा हिक्का चांदी आखो, कंङन चूड़ा बाहीं दा ।

All are cotton, of one colour.

सभ इको रंग कपाहीं दा ।

One grazes sheep and goats; one tends camels and buffaloes.

भेडां बक्करियां चारन वाला, उठ मझ्झियां दा करे संभाला,

One grazes donkeys on refuse; he too belongs to herders.

रूड़ी उते गद्दो चारे, उह भी वागी गांईं दा ।

All are cotton, of one colour.

सभ इको रंग कपाहीं दा ।

Why ask His caste, Bullah? Give thanks for His will.

बुल्ल्हा शहु दी ज़ात की पुछनैं, शाकर हो रज़ाई दा,

If you seek gardens in bloom, serve the Arain.

जे तूं लोड़ें बाग़ बहारां, चाकर रहु अराईं दा ।

All are cotton, of one colour.

सभ इको रंग कपाहीं दा ।

بلھے شاہ
— 131 —
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